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The Lloyd’s of London members are (L-R) bassist Tori Dozier, drummer Jeff Blazek, and singer/guitarist Lloyd Miller. (Lloyd`s of London)
The Los Angeles formed blues/rock trio Lloyds of London is riding the lead wave at the forefront of a sacred musical mission. Seamlessly, honing elements from Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin to blues greats such as Stevie Ray Vaughn and Muddy Waters, the group layers its potent and dynamic sound around the fiery guitar-playing antics of front man and songwriter, Lloyd Miller.
Miller created the band in 2005 with drummer and friend Jeff Blazek after a romp through music school at the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood.
“We had a vision to put together our own blues project and to create our own sound,” said Miller.
“I felt like I had been guided to play music since I was 10 years old.”
That vision was the momentum that pushed Miller and Blazek to start writing songs and audition bass players. The next year was spent forging their sound and gigging around L.A.
They cycled through numerous bass players before finally landing upon the groove poppin’ style of African Hawaiian bassist Tori Dozier. Dozier blended with the pair nicely, acting as a cool balance between Miller’s manic guitar explosions and Blazek’s tour de force on drums.
“If Lloyd and Jeff bring the rock and roll to the table, then I bring the funk,” said Dozier.
After Dozier joined, the group took on a unique look to further accompany their unique sound. Miller’s guitar playing acts as the leader of a renegade rebellion as his wiry frame courses and spouts with energy and guitar waves visibly surge through his body. Dozier emits a perfect, island-style, low-end rhythm bounced alongside Blazek’s thunderous percussion.
Miller was nominated for the 2008 Los Angeles Music Awards “Best Independent Guitar Performance” and the Lloyd’s of London group was nominated for the 2008 Los Angeles Music Awards “Best Power Trio.”
“There really aren’t a lot of people out there truly playing their instruments and laying down the sound. That’s one of the things we offer as a band—tight, filled-out music from just three people,” commented Dozier.
Not only bound by melodic musical vibrations, LoL members are linked by a spiritual faith that unifies them as musical comrades and seeks to bring positivity to their fans. Their music draws on inspiration from a higher power that keeps them driving forward.
“We are trying to send a positive message. My lyrics are inspired by what God has done in my life. We’ve got uplifting words which everyone can relate to,” says Miller.
It’s true that Los Angeles has a barrage of bands encompassing many styles that are strewn across many genres. Lloyds of London is a unique mix of three bright shining musicians with a passion and precision for the blues/rock craft.
